Computer or monitor adapted to accommodate an exercise device, and the combination thereof

ABSTRACT

A computer for use with an exercise device wherein a component of the computer carries means for accommodating an exercise device used during a physical fitness workout or exercise routine. The exercise device may be a weight, a jump rope, or an elastic band. The computer component may be a computer monitor or a central processing unit, or a combined CPU and monitor. The means for accommodating an exercise device may be a well formed in the housing of the computer component, and the well may be shaped to conform to the contour of the exercise device. The means for accommodating an exercise device could be a protuberance projecting from the component on which the exercise device may be supported. Software may be included for providing a moving computer image demonstrating an exercise routine using the exercise device. A monitor, other than a computer monitor, such as a television set may be provided with means for accommodating the exercise device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention addresses the problem of sedentary behavior and resultant health ailments associated with prolonged use of computers and television viewing. The extended use of computers and long term television viewing are now linked to a variety of ailments from carpal tunnel syndrome to obesity.

[0002] In the realms of fitness, wellness and exercise, it is common practice for those wishing to engage in physical fitness routines to attend classes conducted by a live instructor or to work with a personal trainer. The instructor leads the class through a series of movements that are followed as closely as possible by those attending the class. In other cases, a personal trainer may give instruction on a one to one basis.

[0003] An alternative to attending a class with a live instructor is to employ a television set with videotape or DVD to display a physical fitness instructor's program. The exerciser then follows the image of the instructor through the sequence of the exercise routine movements. In this latter case, two problems are often encountered. First, televisions are not immediately associated with exercise. Second, when the time comes to exercise, the user cannot locate the exercise device needed to perform the exercises shown in the routine. Computers are associated even less than televisions with health, exercise, and mind/body movement patterns and in fact are often considered a health detriment.

[0004] This invention addresses the issue of sedentary behavior and prolonged repetitive movements associated with computer usage and television viewing by simultaneously changing: 1) how these devices are used; and 2) the perception that these technologies only encourage sedentary behavior. This invention turns a computer or television into an interactive tool that encourages learning and doing mind/body activities and physical fitness routines.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for displaying a previously-recorded exercise routine by an instructor which is fashioned to accommodate the exercise device, so that the device is always readily available in a known place when the time comes to perform the physical fitness workout.

[0006] It is another object of the invention to provide such an arrangement wherein the apparatus for displaying the instruction is a computer, a component of which is adapted to accommodate the exercise device.

[0007] It is a further object of the invention to provide an image-display apparatus, such as a television set or a computer monitor, having means for accommodating the exercise device.

[0008] It is contemplated that the exercise device may be conventional objects, such as exercise weights, jump ropes, or elastic bands.

[0009] Additional objects and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description, in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a computer formed on top with a well for accommodating an exercise weight;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing a software disk for providing a moving image to the computer;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the computer;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the computer;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the exercise weight within the well;

[0015]FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing the exercise weight within the well;

[0016]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a computer monitor and keyboard showing wells formed in the top wall of the monitor housing for accommodating two dumbbells;

[0017]FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the computer, provided with a protruding hook accommodating an exercise weight;

[0018]FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the computer of FIG. 8;

[0019]FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing the hook accommodating a jump rope;

[0020]FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the computer of FIG. 10;

[0021]FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the computer, provided with a protruding shelf accommodating an exercise weight; and

[0022]FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the computer of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, a computer monitor 10 is shown supported on a pedestal 11. These drawings illustrate the invention in connection with a combination monitor and central processing unit within a single housing, such as is marketed by Apple Computer. However, the housing could enclose just a monitor used with a separate central processing unit, and hence in the following description will be referred to simply as a monitor. Alternatively, the monitor 10 could be a television set.

[0024] The upper surface of the monitor 10 housing is formed with a generally elliptical well 12 adapted to snugly accommodate the sculptured exercise weight illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,996. Such a weight 13 is shown within the well 12 in FIGS. 5 and 6. The well 12 serves as a storage location for exercise weight 13 when the latter is not in use. The weight may be lifted out of the well for use during an exercise workout, and then replaced in the well for storage until it is needed for the next exercise session.

[0025] The monitor may be designed to accommodate exercise weights other than the specific weight 13 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. For example; FIG. 7 shows a computer monitor 16, the top wall 17 of which is formed with two generally semi-cylindrical wells 18. These wells are designed to snugly accommodate two conventional dumbbells 19. In this case, also, dumbbells 19 may readily be lifted out of the wells 18 for use during an exercise workout, and then replaced into wells 18 for storage.

[0026] While it is desirable for the wells 12 and 18 to be shaped so as to conform to the contours of the weights which they are to accommodate, so that the weights fit snugly in the wells, the wells need not be so shaped as long as they are large enough to accommodate the weights.

[0027] Instead of forming a well in the housing of the monitor, the housing could be formed with a protuberance upon which the exercise device may be supported. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the protuberance could be in the nature of a hook 21, projecting from a flat screen monitor 20, on which the exercise device can be hung. As shown in FIG. 5, exercise weight 13 is formed with two openings 13 a, and such a weight may be hung from the hook 21 passed through one of the openings. Where a hook 21 is employed, it is admirably adapted to support other types of exercise devices, e.g., elongated elements such as a jump rope 22 (FIGS. 10 and 11) and elastic bands. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the protuberance may be in the nature of a shelf 24 projecting from the housing 23 of a flat screen monitor, upon which the exercise device 13 can be rested.

[0028] As described above, the storage well 12 is shown formed in the housing of a computer monitor. However, the well, or storage protuberance, could be carried by another component of the computer, such as the central processing unit or any other peripheral adequate for the purpose.

[0029] It is contemplated that computer software, such as on a disk 25 (FIG. 2) may be provided for the computer, the software setting forth in images and/or text, instructions for an exercise routine using the exercise device accommodated by the computer. If a television set is used, it is contemplated that a videotape or DVD will be provided for projecting images or text on the television screen. Thus, the invention provides for convenient storage of an exercise device in or on a computer or television set, and software or other recorded information may be provided for instructing the user in performing various exercise routines.

[0030] In this way, because the exercise device is so conveniently located with respect to the computer or other monitor, the sedentary user of the apparatus is encouraged to engage in physical exercise.

[0031] The invention has been shown and described in preferred form only, and by way of example, and many variations may be made in the invention which will still be comprised within its spirit. It is understood, therefore, that the invention is not limited to any specific form or embodiment except insofar as such limitations are included in the appended claims. 

1. A computer for use with an exercise device, comprising: a computer component, and means carried by the component for accommodating an exercise device.
 2. A computer as defined in claim 1 wherein the computer component is a computer monitor.
 3. A computer as defined in claim 1 wherein the computer component is a central processing unit.
 4. A computer as defined in claim 1 wherein the computer component is a combined central processing unit and monitor.
 5. A computer as defined in claim 1 wherein the component has a housing, and the means carried by the component is a well formed in the housing.
 6. A computer as defined in claim 5 wherein the well is shaped to conform to the contour of the exercise device.
 7. A computer as defined in claim 1 wherein the means carried by the component is a protuberance projecting from the component.
 8. A computer as defined in claim 7 wherein the protuberance is a shelf.
 9. A computer as defined in claim 7 wherein the protuberance is a hook.
 10. A computer as defined in claim 1 including software for providing a moving computer image demonstrating an exercise routine using the exercise device.
 11. The combination of a computer and an exercise device, comprising: a computer component, an exercise device, and means carried by the component for accommodating the exercise device.
 12. The combination of claim 11 wherein the exercise device is a weight, the computer component has a housing, and the means for accommodating the weight is a well in the housing.
 13. A computer as defined in claim 12 wherein the well is shaped to conform to the contour of the weight.
 14. A computer as defined in claim 11 wherein the exercise device is a weight having an opening, and the means for accommodating the exercise device is a protuberance projecting from the computer component upon which the weight can be supported.
 15. A computer as defined in claim 11 wherein the exercise device is an elongated element, and the means for accommodating the exercise device is a protuberance projecting from the computer component upon which the exercise device can be supported.
 16. A monitor capable of displaying moving images of an exercise routine, the monitor having a housing, and means carried by the housing for accommodating an exercise device.
 17. A computer as defined in claim 16 wherein the means carried by the housing is a well formed in the housing.
 18. A computer as defined in claim 16 wherein the means carried by the housing is a protuberance projecting from the housing. 